Georgia Hunting

Georgia offers diverse hunting opportunities, from small game to big game hunts, making it a haven for hunting enthusiasts. Some of the most common games in the state include turkeys and deer, while Georgia also stands as one of the few states where you can hunt alligators.

In this article, we will explore Georgia’s hunting regulations, licenses, and permits, as well as highlight the various wildlife available for hunting. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a beginner, Georgia’s abundant hunting opportunities are sure to entice you.

Georgia Hunting Regulations

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources lays down specific laws and regulations that hunters must abide by while hunting in the state. According to these regulations, hunting in Georgia is defined as the act of taking, killing, capturing, chasing, or shooting games and wildlife, including feral hogs. It also covers the use of any device to take games, regardless of the success in taking the game.

Restrictions for Convicted Felon Hunters

Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms while hunting in Georgia, including muzzleloaders. However, an exception is made for felons whose firearm possession rights have been restored at the state or federal level. Archery, air rifles, and bows are allowed for convicted felons, excluding firearms.

Restrictions for the Use of Loaded Firearms

A firearm is considered loaded in Georgia under the following conditions:

If the magazine or chamber contains shells.
If the nipple possesses a percussion cap.
If the frozen pan contains gunpowder.

For crossbows, they are considered loaded when cocked.

Restrictions for Plugged Shotguns

Shotguns used for taking migratory birds in Georgia are limited to a maximum of three shells in both the chamber and magazines. If a plug is needed to limit the firearm’s capacity, it should only be a piece.

Restriction for Suppressors

Lawfully allowed suppressors can be used for hunting in Georgia. However, permission from the landowner is required when using suppressors on private lands.

Prohibited Hunting Activities in Georgia

Certain hunting activities are strictly prohibited in Georgia to ensure the preservation of wildlife and public safety. Some of these prohibitions include:

Hunting on private lands without permission from the landowner, including hunting in railroad, power, or gas lines.
Hunting under the influence of alcohol.
Possessing, importing, holding, or releasing wildlife without a valid permit from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Concealing the possession of illegally obtained games or wildlife parts.
Killing or wounding a game animal without any intention of taking or retrieving it.
Hunting farm deer and exotic wild animals with wildlife licenses for recreation, sports, or amusement.
Hunting or shooting at a game animal from the opposite side of a major road.
Hunting from vehicles, including motorboats, powerboats, and aircraft.
Buying or selling games or parts of their bodies, except for specific exemptions like antlers and hides.
Using computers or similar devices to remotely discharge firearms for hunting purposes.
Using substances like chemicals, drugs, explosives, gas, poisons, etc., to hunt games in Georgia.
Using baits, pitfalls, hooks, nets, snares, decoys, deadfalls, etc., to take games in Georgia.
Using communication devices while pursuing games and wildlife during a hunt.
Disturbing games and wildlife in their dens or homes.
Shooting a firearm within 50 yards across any public road in Georgia.
Blinding wildlife with lights during hunting.

Hunters Dressing Regulations

In some hunting seasons, hunters and their escorts must wear fluorescent yellow as outer clothing in Georgia. The clothing must cover at least 550 square inches and be above the hunter’s waist level. This regulation applies to certain hunting seasons, including firearm policies for deer and bear hunting, as well as hunting feral hogs during specific firearm seasons.

Georgia Hunting License, Permits, and Tags

Georgia issues various hunting licenses, permits, and tags based on age and residency, each with different validity periods. To be considered a resident, one must have lived in the state for a minimum of three consecutive months before applying for a hunting license.

Types of Licenses, Permits, and Tags

Hunting and Fishing License: This combination license allows hunting and fishing in Georgia. It is available for residents and non-residents with three validity periods. The annual license costs $30 for residents and $150 for non-residents, while a one-day license costs $5 for residents and $30 for non-residents. An additional one-day hunting and fishing license costs $1 for residents and $10 for non-residents.
Apprentice Hunting and Fishing License: Beginners who require supervision can opt for this one-day license, costing $5 for residents and $30 for non-residents.
Hunting License: Available to residents aged 16 to 64 and non-resident hunters, this license has three validity periods. The annual license costs $15 for residents and $100 for non-residents, while a one-day license costs $5 for residents and $20 for non-residents. An additional one-day hunting and fishing license costs $1 for residents and $6 for non-residents.
Senior Sportsman’s License: This annual license is available exclusively to Georgia residents aged 65 and above, allowing access to hunting and fishing, but it is exempted from alligator hunting. It costs $7.
Big Game Licenses: Available to residents and non-residents, this license allows hunting big game in Georgia with three validity periods. The annual license costs $25 for residents and $225 for non-residents, while a one-day license costs $10 for residents and $130 for non-residents. An additional one-day hunting and fishing license costs $2 for residents and $8 for non-residents.
Harvesting License for Deer, Alligators, and Turkeys: This annual license, available at no cost, permits the harvesting of deer, alligators, and turkeys for residents and non-residents.
Quota Alligator Harvest Permit: This permit, available to residents and non-residents, is issued during the alligator hunting season and costs $75 for residents and $250 for non-residents.
Trapping License: Available for residents and non-residents, this license is only valid during the specific game season and costs $40 for residents and $325 for non-residents.
Shooting Preserve License: Valid for two years, this license costs $12 for residents and non-residents.
Migratory Birds and Waterfowl Stamps: This annual stamp for taking migratory birds and waterfowl in Georgia costs $5 for both residents and non-residents.
Disability Hunting License: Disabled Georgia residents can obtain this license to participate in state hunting activities. It is available with annual and three-year validity periods, costing $3 and $9, respectively.

Georgia Hunting Season 2020/2021

Georgia’s hunting season for various wildlife is divided into specific seasons based on the weapons allowed for hunting. The 2020/21 hunting season for various wildlife includes:

Georgia Deer Hunting Seasons

Archery Season: September 12th to January 10th
Extended Archery Season: September 12th to January 31st
Primitive Weapons Season: October 10th to January 10th
Firearms Season: October 17th to January 10th

Georgia Bear Hunting Seasons

Archery Season: September 12th to January 10th
Primitive Weapons Season: October 10th to January 10th
Firearms Season: October 17th to January 10th

Georgia Turkey Hunting Season

General Hunting Season: March 20th to May 15th
Special Opportunity Youth and Mobile Impaired Season: March 13th to March 14th

Georgia Alligator Hunting Season

General Hunting Season: From sunset on August 14th to sunrise on October 5th

To hunt alligators in Georgia, a permit is required, and only one alligator is allowed to be taken annually per hunter.

Georgia Small Games Hunting Season

Georgia offers a variety of small game hunting opportunities, including:

Fox and Bobcat Season: December 1st to February 28th
Grouse Season: October 15th to February 28th
Opossum Season: October 15th to February 28th
Quail Season: November 14th to February 28th
Rabbit Season: November 14th to February 28th
Raccoon Season: October 15th to February 28th
Squirrel Season: August 15th to February 28th
Woodcock Season: December 5th to January 18th

Please note that hunting seasons may vary in different hunting zones, and specific regulations may apply to each game and season.

Georgia Wildlife Games and Fish

Georgia boasts a diverse array of wildlife available for hunting, including:

Georgia Deer Hunting

Deer hunting is immensely popular in Georgia, with a variety of hunting spots across the state. White-tailed deer are widely distributed, especially in coastal marsh and forest regions.

Georgia Black Bear Hunting

The population of black bears in Georgia is increasing, making bear hunting a growing activity. Black bears can be found in the mountainous regions of northern Georgia, the Southern Macon area, and the swampy areas of the south.

Georgia Hog Hunting

Georgia is home to some of the largest wild hogs in North America. These hogs can be found in the mountainous regions of northern Georgia and are considered a nuisance to farmers.

Georgia Alligator Hunting

Alligators in Georgia inhabit wetland areas, including swamps, ponds, lakes, rivers, and other water bodies. A permit is required for alligator hunting, and only one alligator can be taken per hunter annually.

Georgia Bobcat Hunting

Bobcats are common predators in North America and can be found evenly distributed throughout Georgia. They prefer forested and agricultural areas.

Georgia Fox Hunting

The red fox is the common species of fox found in Georgia, inhabiting various parts of the state, including wood forests, grasslands, and croplands.

Georgia Turkey Hunting

Wild turkeys can be found almost everywhere in Georgia and are evenly dispersed throughout the state.

Georgia Grouse Hunting

Grouse hunting occurs in the mountain regions of northern Georgia, particularly in the Chattahoochee forest.

Georgia Rabbit Hunting

Georgia is home to various species of cottontail rabbits, including the Eastern cottontail rabbit, marsh rabbits, swamp rabbits, and Appalachian cottontail rabbits.

Georgia Raccoon Hunting

Raccoons are found in various landscapes in Georgia, including marshes, lakes, streams, swamps, rivers, and places with hardwood trees.

Georgia Shooting Ranges

Georgia’s Wildlife Resource Division provides archery and shooting ranges for hunters to practice their skills. Some of the shooting ranges include:

Amicalola Falls State Park
Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area
Chickasawhatchee Wildlife Management Area
Clarks Hill Wildlife Management Area
Clybel Wildlife Management Area
Coosawattee Carters Lake Wildlife Management Area
Dodge County Public Fishing Area
Evans County Public Fishing Area
Flat Creek Public Fishing Area
General Coffee State Park
Georgia Veterans State Park
J. L. Lester Wildlife Management Area
McDuffie Public Fishing Area
Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area
Oconee Wildlife Management Area
Panola Mountain State Park
Richmond Hill Wildlife Management Area
Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area—Cartecay Tract
River Bend Wildlife Management Area
Rocky Mountain Public Fishing Area
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Unicoi State Park
Victoria Bryant State Park
Walton Wildlife Management Area

Georgia Hunting Land for Sale and Lease

For those interested in owning or leasing hunting lands in Georgia, there are various options available:

Hunting Lands for Sale

Statesboro, Georgia (Bulloch County) – 264 acres.
Cusseta, Georgia (Chattahoochee County) – 401 acres.
Metter, Georgia (Candler County) – 226 acres.
Lyerly, Georgia (Chattooga County) – 20 acres.

Hunting Lands for Lease

Statesboro, Georgia (Bulloch County) – 58 acres.
Rhine, Georgia (Dodge County) – 482 acres.
Blakely, Georgia (Early County) – 83 acres.

Conclusion

Georgia’s hunting opportunities are vast and varied, offering an array of wildlife for hunters to pursue. From deer and bear to alligators and turkeys, the state’s wildlife diversity ensures a thrilling hunting experience. However, it is essential to follow all hunting regulations and obtain the necessary licenses and permits to ensure the preservation of wildlife and the safety of hunters and the public.

FAQs;

Q1. Do I need a hunting license to hunt in Georgia?

Yes, a hunting license is required for hunting in Georgia. The state issues various types of licenses based on age and residency.

Q2. What are the hunting seasons for deer in Georgia?

Georgia offers several deer hunting seasons, including archery season, extended archery season, primitive weapons season, and firearms season.

Q3. Are there restrictions for hunting with suppressors in Georgia?

Suppressors can be lawfully used for hunting in Georgia, but permission from the landowner is necessary for hunting with suppressors on private lands.

Q4. Can non-residents apply for hunting permits in Georgia?

Yes, non-residents can apply for hunting permits in Georgia, but specific regulations and fees may apply.

Q5. Is hunting in Georgia good?

Yes, Georgia offers excellent hunting opportunities and is considered one of the premier states for deer and turkey hunting in particular. Abundant whitetail deer and wild turkey populations combined with ample public and private land access make Georgia a top destination for out-of-state hunters as well. Other popular hunted species include feral hogs, black bears, small game, and waterfowl.

Q6. Can you hunt deer at night on your own property in Georgia?

Hunting deer at night over bait on private property is permitted with the correct licenses in certain areas of Georgia. Landowners or tenants and their families are allowed to hunt over bait at night on their own property as long as they meet other licensing requirements for the season and method.

Q7. What are some prohibited hunting activities in Georgia?

Prohibited hunting activities in Georgia include hunting on private